Hanura (Hati Nurani Rakyat)

Army pensioners, including General Wiranto, declare a new political party, Partai Hati Nurani Rakyat (Hanura).

Retired military commander General Wiranto and a number of retired generals yesterday formed a new political party in preparation for the general elections in 2009, the Partai Hati Nurani Rakyat (Hanura), or People’s Conscience Party.

Besides Wiranto other former military commanders involved include Lieutenant General Suaidi Marasabessy, General Fachrul Razi, General Subagyo H.S., (police) General Chairul Ismail, and Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh.

Suaidi said however that former military leaders comprised “only” 30% of the 100 declarators of the party.

Wiranto of yesteryear, sporting yellow. Hanura’s colour seems to be orange.

Among the civilians who have joined the party are Fuad Bawazier and Samual Koto, both former executives of the National Mandate Party (PAN), and Djafar Badjeber, a former secretary general of the Reform Star Party (PBR). [1]

Additionally, former Economy minister Kwik Kian Gie, former Golkar party chairman Akbar Tanjung, former vice president Try Sutrisno, and former president Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), witnessed the declaration of the party on the 21st. Gus Dur gave a speech in which he said Wiranto was well suited to become a national leader. [2]

Fuad Bawazier said previously that the party was founded on Pancasila principles, was inclusive, not for the elite, and hoped to become one of the top three parties. [3]

Wiranto was a presidential candidate of the Golkar Party in the presidential elections in 2004 who came third with 22% in the first round of voting. His running mate was Solahuddin Wahid of the PKB.